Veterans’ True Choice Act of 2025

This bill would let certain veterans choose TRICARE for their health coverage. Eligible veterans could enroll in TRICARE Select during the yearly open enrollment period, and Medicare-eligible veterans in this group could use TRICARE for Life. Standard TRICARE Select cost-sharing would apply. Family members do not get in automatically just because the veteran enrolls. Veterans could not be enrolled in VA health care at the same time they are using TRICARE under this bill .

Who qualifies includes veterans with service-connected disabilities, former prisoners of war, Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients, those discharged due to disability, and those entitled to disability compensation. The VA would reimburse the Department of Defense for the costs of enrolling these veterans in TRICARE.

• Who is affected: Veterans with service-connected disabilities and related groups listed above.
• What changes: They can enroll in TRICARE Select during open season; Medicare-eligible veterans in this group can enroll in TRICARE for Life; no dual use of VA care at the same time; dependents don’t get automatic enrollment; VA reimburses DoD for costs .
• When: Changes take effect 1 year after the bill becomes law. Over the next year, VA and DoD issue rules, then enrollment is phased in during the following year’s TRICARE open enrollment periods.